Hydrodynamic performance analysis and diving trajectory prediction of a novel deep-sea lander with flapping hydrofoils

Abstract

Traditional deep-sea landers lack maneuverability during the diving process, making it difficult to effectively regulate the diving trajectory and velocity. In this paper, a novel deep-sea lander with flapping hydrofoils is proposed, and the simplified geometric model and typical flapping modes are introduced. Through computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation, the effectiveness of the flapping hydrofoils in regulating the diving trajectory and velocity of the lander is verified, and the influence of the amplitude of flapping angle and flapping frequency of the hydrofoils on the maneuverability of the lander and the propulsion efficiency and deceleration ratio of the flapping hydrofoil is explored. The relationship between the thrust generated by flapping hydrofoils and the maneuverability of the lander, as well as the relationship between the vortex topology and the propulsion efficiency and deceleration ratio of the hydrofoil are explained, respectively. And the diving trajectory of the lander is predicted based on Gaussian process (GP). The results show that the lander can have a certain degree of maneuverability through flapping hydrofoils, and the prediction error of the diving trajectory is within 4%. This paper provides reference for the design and application of the novel deep-sea lander with flapping hydrofoils.